Comments on: Dr. Rob: Good humor

By: TBTAM

TBTAM — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Great post, Dr Rob. I love your blog, and I’ll bet your patients love you, too.

By: Supremacy Claus

Supremacy Claus — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Some supercilious doctor authorities say, it is inappropriate to laugh at a patient. They label doctors who do as "disruptive."

I think, it is appalling rudeness to just stare after a patient makes an attempt at humor. If patients like being made to laugh by a doctor, they like making their doctor laugh even more.

These officious doctors on licensing and ethics boards are the most disruptive doctors of all, by their wrongheaded interference with clinical care, their horrid political correctness, and by their left wing tyranny.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:51:00 +0000

Ah shoot!

When a patient says "That was fast!" as I enter the room 1 minute after they did, and I say "Well, I can come back in an hour if you want.." and they laugh....

I was about to copyright that. Didn't know others did it too!

Great post!

I agree!

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:48:00 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement all. You do feel a little funny putting yourself out there with the high exposure.
Doug: e-mail me and let me know what kind of stories you are talking about. My blog is filled with oddities, but as far as patient stories are concerned, I do have my share.
Inthisstorm: I noticed your post on your blog. Thanks. I don't really do the whoopie cushions, although I do a good Scoobie Doo impersonation.
ddx:dx (I had trouble typing that). Yes, the title was meant to be a bit of a pun. I too enjoy my job, but I think my joy for it makes my patients happier to pay me. I don't know if I would want to go to someone who did it out of duty. The passion is very important. I get sick of hearing docs complaining all the time. There is good about being a doc.

By the way, I clicked your link and will try to read your blog now. Interesting.

By: DDx:dx

DDx:dx — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:09:00 +0000

So is the bile or the phlegm the “good” humor? Ah, the balance…
I have to say, the joy and intimacy, sorrow and challenge I experienced in Family medicine made me feel guilty for charging our fees. I can’t think of a better job. And it made the process of self worth difficult for me, for why should I charge someone for doing what I consider “fun”….Kinda a catch 22, I know. It’s only valuable if it makes you miserable…
But this is my conflict to deal with. I need to stop hitting myself on the wrist..

By: inthisstorm

inthisstorm — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:08:00 +0000

From a patient’s perspective, I *so* appreciate this.

I would really appreciate a whoopee cushion in the office of any one of the too many doctors I have been seeing lately!

By: doug

doug — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Nicely done Dr. Rob. Humor is also forged in the fire of medidal burnout. Unfortunately, so is depression, polysubstance abuse and suicide. We have a choice.

By the way, I believe that was a Henny Youngman joke. "Doc, it hurts when I ..."

If you have any great stories you want to share then please send them to me at the Placebo Journal!

By: Dr. Val

Dr. Val — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:52:00 +0000

Great take. The NYT just ran an article about whether or not it’s appropriate to cry with a patient. Laugh or cry, I think patients appreciate a doctor who is human. The whoopee cushion on the exam table? What would the Times say?! ;p